Fertilizer and VRT
Focus on Efficiency: Fertilizer and Variable Rate Technology
A farmer’s key to maintaining that profitability into the new year will be managing costs. That does not necessarily mean cutting costs, but absolutely does mean being as efficient with all crop inputs as possible. By definition: efficiency is getting the most output out of whatever is put into the crop
Fall Alfalfa Fertilizer Applications
Fall is a perfect time to replace and correct the nutrients needed for next year. Potassium (K), phosphorous (P) and sulfur (S) applications in the fall are important for high-yield and high-quality alfalfa. First-crop alfalfa growth is often difficult to fertilize during wet soil in the spring and wheel tracks can cause damage to stands. Plus, fertilizer prices will likely be higher in spring.
Fall Stand Evaluations
Now is the time to evaluate your alfalfa stands and decide which alfalfa fields should be rotated to another crop next season. Alfalfa stands should be rotated out of production based on their root scores and stem counts. Keep in mind, alfalfa stand health will not improve over winter. Here are the steps you can take to evaluate your stands.
PMZ Dry
Rocket Seeds PMZ Dry is a dry seed nutritional with a patent-pending formulation (1-10-0, 8% Zn, 2% Mn) designed to improve early root growth and plant vigor. An excellent talc and graphite replacement, its unique nutritional package creates a longer, more developed root system. The product’s distinct formulation adds agronomic value, while simultaneously improving seed flow through the planter. PMZ Dry addresses common challenges in the early stages of crop growth by improving resistance to early season cold and water stress. Not using starter when planting and worried about seedling vigor and emergence. If you answered yes, consider using PMZ Dry from Rocket Seeds.
Protect your Investment Down to the Last Drop
This year, every farmer is facing tough input decisions. Adjuvants improve plant coverage and reduces drift, optimizing your herbicide, fungicide, insecticide and desiccant applications. So while you might pay a little more today, you’ll be looking at fewer weed escapes tomorrow.
Get the Most from your Adjuvant
A tractor is a necessity on the farm, but without fuel it's useless. The same principal applies to herbicide and adjuvants. Until a herbicide's active ingredient meets its intended target, it doesn't really have much benefit. That's why adjuvants are an essential tank-mix partner for effective weed control. Here are three actions you can take to ensure your weed control program gets the job done.
6 tips for determining planting date
As spring inches closer, it gets more tempting each day to fire up the tractor and get in the field. However, deciding when to plant is one of the first (of many) management decisions that will impact your crop’s performance this season. Here are six tips to help you decide the right time to put your corn and soybean seeds in the ground.
Stabilize Your Nitrogen
28% of Nitrogen that farmers apply will be lost due to volatility, leaching, and denitrification. In recent years, many have compensated by applying even more Nitrogen to their fields. With Nitrogen prices skyrocketing (along with other fertilizers) it now makes more economic sense to protect your nitrogen applications with a nitrogen stabilizer.
Utrisha-N
Increase your crop’s nitrogen use efficiency and boost your yield potential with Utrisha™ N nitrogen efficiency optimizer. This biological product naturally improves plant vitality for a healthy harvest by fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and converting it to ammonium. It’s a sustainable solution that supplies nitrogen throughout the crop cycle in an effective and controlled way.
Get the Most Coverage from your Fungicide
Fungicide Warranty Program - There is tremendous uncertainty in the response of fungicide applications.
Applying fungicide to your corn acres is a big investment and the results from the Answer Plot® program showed an average of 5.6 to 40.4-bushel-per-acre yield response, depending on the hybrid. At $3 corn, this is a $104 range of outcomes.
At the top end of this range, you’re making out like a bandit, but at the bottom end of this range, you’re not even covering your cost of application. In the past, you would have no option, but to shoulder all this risk.
Interactive Alfalfa Maturity Map
There is an optimum time to harvest alfalfa based off on the maturity and height of the plant. Once the maturity and height of plant is captured, feed value can be predicted.
Calculating Alfalfa Stand Quality
Predictive Equations of Alfalfa Quality (PEAQ) provides an estimate of the quality, measured as Relative Feed Value (RFV), of a crop of first cutting alfalfa standing in the field. (Iowa State University)
Forage Alternative For Alfalfa Winterkill or Saturated Ground
Each spring farmers face different challenges. One challenge is alfalfa failing to over winter, and another is wet acres. The answer to both of these challenges is forage sorghums.
Managing Early Season Plant Stress
Every year planting season presents a new set of challenges. Some years there are favorable planting conditions, and other years there are less than favorable conditions. These less than favorable conditions such as cool and wet soils, can lead to early season plant stress. While not all plant stresses can be eliminated, there are several practices you can follow to help mitigate them. Read more here...
Build Stronger Plants from the Start
Roots are a plant’s lifeline for nutrient and water uptake. If your crops don’t have a strong root system, chances are your yield will suffer. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are hormones that regulate growth and development of plants, and they can offer significant benefits, including a larger root mass with more root hairs. That can help the plant mine nonmobile soil nutrients including phosphorus, potassium and zinc for better plant health. PGRs can also promote vigorous emergence, wider leaves and thicker stalks. A PGR like Ascend Pro® delivers season-long crop benefits regardless of early-season conditions. Whether it’s cool and wet or hot and dry, research shows Ascend Pro® boosts plant health from day one.
Jump-Start Your Yield Potential
Syngenta Thrive 2020
By Darci Maulsby
Additions by Ken Jahnke
Set your sights on high yields with the decisions made during planning and planting.
Here are the seven top tips for starting the 2021 crop strong:
1. Select seed to match your needs. Don’t focus exclusively on seedling vigor and yield potential. Economics are tight, but you need to plant the right traits that put you in a favorable position for success. The right traits for your needs are a powerful tool in your toolbox.
Year End Crop Inputs
The 2020 crop year has just about come to a close. We have had a great fall giving us all time to harvest, apply fertilizer, soil test, till and many other tasks that sometimes get caught undone before winter sets in. Now, many of you have begun to turn your thoughts to 2021. Seed should be at the top of your list. I hope many of you have a chance to book or take advantage of the early season prepay discounts, giving you the opportunity to lock in those top varieties from Croplan, Dekalb, Asgrow, Brevant or NK Seeds that we carry. If you have not, please contact your agronomist today to work with you, using the R7 Technology, to match the right seed on the right acre to maximize your yield and ROI.
Get a Head Start on Spring
Getting your phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) applications made now offer many advantages over spring applications. The likelihood of dry soils, agronomic benefits, availability of fertilizers, your workload and time, are all factors on why fall is the preferred time over spring. In addition, fall is also a good time to apply P for environmental reasons. There is generally a lower risk of P runoff with the typical fall weather and soil conditions. If you think back on spring and weigh the pros and cons you will consider fall applications as one job that can be done now and not be at the risk of what the spring will bring. Contact your Premier Agronomist today and get a head start on your spring!
Give Your Fields the Nutrients They Need
Know the benefits of Fall soil sampling. Analyze your soil now to prepare for next season. Soil sampling is essential for developing an effective fertility plan for your operation. Take advantage of these three benefits by sampling your fields this fall.
Select Seed That Performs on Your Farm
Buying seed can feel overwhelming.
With all the different genetics and traits going around, making agronomic decisions like hybrid placement can become a challenge. To optimize yield potential on your farm, our crop production specialists understand the importance of knowing how hybrids are affected by management.
Select Seed That Performs on Your Farm
Buying seed can feel overwhelming.
With all the different genetics and traits going around, making agronomic decisions like hybrid placement can become a challenge. To optimize yield potential on your farm, our crop production specialists understand the importance of knowing how hybrids are affected by management.
Pre Harvest Tips
You've heard the term garbage in - garbage out. This is especially true when working with yield monitors. There is one chance to get this information correct each year. Having properly working equipment, consistent farm and field setup, and crop flow and moisture calibration are very important. The rewards you’ll reap from retrieving this valuable information will be well worth the time and effort.
2021 Seed Savings!
The first of 4 Cash Discounts is fast approaching. Pay for your seed by NOVEMBER 16th and receive 8% CASH SAVINGS. Maximize that discount by taking advantage of Premier Cooperative one of a kind volume discount program giving you the opportunity to combine purchases between our 5 major seed brands (Croplan, NK, Brevant, Asgrow and Dekalb). To help you take advantage we do have financing available at some very attractive terms. Talk with your agronomist for more details and get started on a profitable 2021.
Use This Year's Harvest Data for Next Year's Decisions
With today’s ag technology tools and in-season imagery options, it should be easier than ever to collect data to make informed seed and crop protection product decisions. But even though all of that data can be very helpful, it can also be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are five strategies to help break things down into more digestible pieces so you can start formulating a plan for next season using this season’s harvest data.
Garbage In, Garbage Out – Importance of Calibrating Yield Monitors
From maintenance on combine heads to replacing feeder house chains, there is no shortage on the amount of work that needs to be done before heading out to the field. However, there is one very important piece that is often overlooked…the Yield Monitor.
Forget Surprises, Plan Ahead -- Harvest Plan
Harvest is an exciting and extremely busy time of year. As you run around making sure equipment is ready to go, stop and ask yourself. Are you ready? Do you have a harvest plan in place? Where will you start and where will you end up?
Take 4 Steps at Harvest for Quality Silage
Many moving parts need to be in place to get the best quality silage at harvest. With harvest quickly approaching, consider these four tips to help inform your silage harvest strategy.
1. Prep your Equipment
Don’t wait until the last minute to get your equipment ready for harvest. Ensure you have equipment adjusted correctly depending on the cut length you’re aiming for.
The 0% Interest & Get All Your Seed Discounts Financing
Often with our financial decisions the question isn’t so much about “Can I invest in/purchase X to improve my operation?”, the question is “If I invest in/purchase X to improve my operation, can I also invest in/purchase Y and Z?”
X, Y, and Z could be different options based on your personal situation. For an expanding operation, it could be a new piece of equipment (or land) to increase your throughput or bring down your cost per acre...
Scout For These 4 Problems to Prepare For Harvest & 2021
Importance of Late Season Scouting
The sprayers out in the field are slowly rolling to a halt, while harvest equipment is starting to be greased up and ready to go. In the midst of all this, our fields tend to get placed on the back burner, when they should really be the stars of the show. This time of year, the more time you invest in your fields the more knowledge and insight you can gain for this year’s harvest and future cropping seasons.
Visit Our 'Premier Acres' Plots
Want to catch up on the latest advancements and trends in crop production to position your operation for success? Then we invite you out for a visit to one of our four Premier Acre Plots in your area. With the growing season moving along and harvest on the horizon, now is a great time to meet with your Premier Agronomist amd receive a personal tour. Gain insights on the latest technology and practices that could help add yield and profit to your crop management programs. The plots are located in Fennimore, Bloomington, Mount Horeb and Mazomanie.
Potato Leafhoppers Destroying Alfalfa in Southern WI
Alfalfa Potato Leafhopper - As the AC units are rolling in full force this week, so is the Potato Leafhoppers development in alfalfa. In a poll across our area, leafhopper counts have increased well above the economic threshold. Why is this a concern?
KRISS® Biostimulant for High Management Alfalfa
Biostimulant Fertilizer for High Management Alfalfa -
Containing plant-based amino acids and seaweed extracts, Kriss® biostimulant fertilizer
can help enhance plant growth and resistance to stress. The primary positioning of this
product is to help drive yield potential and feed quality on highly managed alfalfa.
What are biostimulants? Natural compounds used to enhance plant growth or increase resistance to abiotic stress.
What is KRISS® biostimulant fertilizer?
- Registered as a 5-8-4 NPK fertilizer
- Combination of seaweed extracts and plant-based amino acids
- Active compounds include tryptophan, arginine and plant extracts
- KRISS® biostimulant fertilizer can help drive yield and quality on highly managed alfalfa by supporting regrowth
Protecting Alfalfa Quality and Tonnage
Advances in technology continue to bring innovative ways to improve quality and tonnage for your alfalfa crop. Just in the last few years biostimulants have become an integral part of top alfalfa production. Here at Premier Cooperative we have incorporated that technology into our “QT” Alfalfa Treatment Program.
Ugly Corn Syndrome
The 2020 corn crop got off to fairly early start, with generally good soil conditions in our area. However, as we are approaching the V3 to V5 growth stages in corn, we can begin to notice some yellowing. This is especially true in areas of the field that we know are stressful (i.e. compacted areas, sandy knolls, wet spots, etc.), but we can also notice the corn becoming off color in other areas where the cause may not be quite as obvious. I like to call this affliction “Ugly Corn Syndrome”. Now is the perfect time to scout it out! We need to consider all the factors affecting our fields… fertilizer and manure applications, cropping history, compaction, residue management, and tillage practices, to try to determine the best course of action to relieve the plant stress we are seeing. This is also the perfect time to pull plant tissue samples in order to get an exact snapshot of what both “Ugly” and “Normal” parts of a corn field may be lacking. The key is to get our scouting and sampling done right now, so that we still have time to apply management to the corn before it gets too tall to allow us in the field. Give your Premier agronomist a call today so that they can get their boots in your field.
WI FARM SUPPORT PROGRAM - APPLY TODAY
From the WI Department of Revenue, the Farm Support Program will be providing direct payments to farmers that suffered economic damages in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on gross farm income from 2019, the minimum payment is $1,000 and the maximum amount is $3,500. While not a large payment, the online application should be relatively quick to complete with funds expected to be issued on July 15th.
Dicamba Update
In response to the recent federal appeals court ruling regarding the use of certain dicamba products, the WI DATCP announced late on Friday that the court’s decision to remove the registration for several herbicides will not immediately impact Wisconsin soybean producers.
Address Early-On Issues With Technology
After the rush of spring planting, it can be hard to monitor every field for in-season problems such as poor stands, nutrient deficiencies, seedling diseases, early-season pests and weed pressure. There’s just not time to go back and perform manual scouting evaluations on every field it seems. Early detection of issues can make all the difference in yield potential at harvest. That’s where the R7® Field Monitoring Tool and NutriSolutions Tissue Testing can help.
Maximizing Your Spray Investment
With post emergent herbicide applications upon us for corn and soybeans, it is important to put together the right tank mix so you can eliminate weed pressure before it impacts yield potential. While selecting the right herbicides and rates is always top of mind, don’t forget to include the right adjuvant package in your tank to ensure the active ingredients reach your intended target. Depending on the herbicides you choose, a water conditioner, surfactant and/or drift control agent might be required to prevent mixing problems and off target movement.
Certain Dicamba Product Use Appealed
Late last night the US Court of Appeals overturned the EPA’s approval for the use of certain dicamba products including Engenia, FeXapan and XtendiMax. The ruling effectively makes it illegal for farmers to continue to use the product.
Coronavirus Financial Aid
USDA is accepting applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program now through August 28, 2020.
Coronavirus Financial Aid
Nearly daily there is new information released for grants, low interest loans, and other government assistance programs related to Covid-19 financial aid and direct producer payments.
Webinar for Producers on Applying for CFAP Payments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) will host a webinar on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. ET, for farmers, ranchers and other producers interested in applying for direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).
New Eligibility Notice for EIDL
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) recently put out a notice for New Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance (EIDL). A few highlights from the SBA website...
Freezing Temps and Crop Damage
Temperatures are projected to drop into the 20’s and questions are arising whether alfalfa, corn, and soybeans will be killed. Frost and cold weather conditions can be extremely variable throughout a geography and from micro-environment with-in field conditions. Frost injury occurring at or below 32°F has different outcomes from lethal freezes which are more likely to negatively impact plants when temperatures are at 28°F for more than four hours.
Crop Production Tips
With the extra challenge of the pandemic coronavirus and resulting COVID-19, this Spring's planting season is on pace to be a crazy time for everyone trying to get a crop in the ground. Here are a few reminders of items to make sure you check off your list this May.
Crop Production Tips
With the extra challenge of the pandemic coronavirus and resulting COVID-19, this Spring's planting season is on pace to be a crazy time for everyone trying to get a crop in the ground. Here are a few reminders of items to make sure you check off your list this April.